From the perspective of natural water retention measures (NWRM), reconnection is the process of improving hydrological connection in the landscape, both through linking water bodies and through improving the connectivity between rivers and their adjacent floodplains. Reconnection can make use of historical and currently water channels to restore previously existing hydrological connectivity and functioning.

Value of those alternatives foregone when implementing a NWRM.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (or SUDS) are a sequence of water management practices, green infrastructures and measures designed to drain surface water in a manner that mimics the natural hydrologic cycle and will provide a more sustainable approach to rainwater management than what has been the conventional grey infrastructure practice of routing run-off through a pipe to a receiving watercourse.

Planting and maintaining tree cover in near-stream areas can have multiple benefits including erosion and nutrient leaching control. They will also slow the stream velocity during high flow flood events and may have beneficial effects on stream temperature. Maintaining treed forest buffers during clearcutting can help minimizing the adverse effects of forestry on water quality and may have additional biodiversity benefits.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

Restoration is a management action or set of actions with the aim of restoring natural hydrologic functioning ﾠin the landscape. Restoration of natural functioning can contribute to an environmental balance in water management.
NWRM implementation can either be an enhancement/improvement of the natural hydrologic functioning ﾠin the landscape or a restoration action.

The reconstitution of the alluvial mattress consists in leveling-up the river bed and/or reactivating the bank erosion in order to stop the incision of the river bed. It can allow better connection with side arms, level-up the water level at low flow periods, diversifying flows (depth, substrate, speed), diversify habitats and increase retention times.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

Temporary streams are of particular importance when it comes to water storage and time retention especially in flash flood prone areas. Some measures can be directly implemented in order to ensure their proper functioning.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

The channel containing or formerly containing the water of a river. (Source: BJGEO)

Engineered ponds in peatlands that have been ditched to enhance forest production have the potential to retain water in the landscape and trap sediment without adversely affecting tree growth. Such measures have the potential to limit hydrograph peaks and potentially reduce flooding associated with snowmelt.
- Elaborated by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

The management of land to minimise soil erosion to maintain soil and water resources, and provide sustainable benefits in the long term.